PM Imran, President Alvi condemn Lahore blast

Premier has sought a report regarding the incident from the authorities

Shortly after a bomb targeted a police vehicle near Lahore's Data Darbar on Wednesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the blast and sought a report on the incident.

The prime minister commiserated with the bereaved families and directed the concerned authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the blast.

Strongly condemn the terror blast outside Data Darbar this morning. Have asked Punjab govt to provide all assistance to the injured & families of victims.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 8, 2019

At least five people were martyred and 15 others injured when an Elite Force convoy was targeted.

President Arif Alvi also strongly condemned the blast in Lahore, Radio Pakistan reported.

He deplored the loss of precious lives in the incident. "Those involved in such despicable incident in the holy month of Ramazan are misguided elements."

Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar, speaking to the media, condoled the victims of the blast. He also appreciated the doctors who are working to provide emergency aid to the injured.

"The attackers are enemies of Pakistan and of Islam. All political parties are united on this matter. We will root out terrorism from the country," he added.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar also cancelled his visit to Bhakkar and summoned higher police officials and officials of Safe Cities Authority.

Special Assistant to Prime Minster on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan strongly condemned the incident in Lahore.

The special assistant further expressed deep grief and condolence to families of martyrs.

"The nation, armed forces, rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies have sacrificed to curb the menace of terrorism."

Reaffirming the resolve against terrorism, she said, "our nation has remained steadfast against the terrorists."

PPP leader, Sherry Rehman, while condemning the attack called on the government to "do more" than saluting the martyred.

"Government should at least act on NAP and convene the parliamentary committee on National Security in 9 months," she said.

Strongly condemn the #DaataDarbar attack. We salute our brave police and citizens and their families injured and martyred in this terror attack. But must do more than that. Govt should at least act on NAP and convene the parliamentary committee on National Security in 9 months

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) May 8, 2019

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also sent her condolences to the deceased.

Extremely saddened at the loss of precious lives in blast outside Data Sahab. May Allah bless the deceased with Jannat-ul-Firdous, injured with speedy and absolute recovery and may HE grant sabar to the bereaved families. Ameen. My heart goes out to them.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) May 8, 2019

Those martyred in the blast include five Elite Force personnel and two civilians. According to Rescue 1122, the injured have been shifted to Mayo Hospital.

Police sources confirmed that the Elite Force vehicle was the target of the attack.